Page 698 - World News
China's R&D investment grows despite slower funding, US tops global list
China's R&D intensity, which measures expenditure as a percentage of GDP and serves as a benchmark for innovation capability and competitiveness, remained stable at 2.68 per cent in 2024
 "China's R&D investment grows despite slower funding, US tops global list")
Putin ready to speak to Trump, wants to start nuclear cuts talks: Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also made clear he wants to restart nuclear arms cuts talks as soon as possible
 "Putin ready to speak to Trump, wants to start nuclear cuts talks: Kremlin")
LG Energy Solution plans to cut capex on slowing EV demand after Q4 loss
The company, which makes batteries for Tesla, General Motors and Volkswagen, reported an operating loss of 226 billion won ($158 million) for the October-December period
 "LG Energy Solution plans to cut capex on slowing EV demand after Q4 loss")
Trump's first week: 538 illegal migrants arrested, hundreds deported
The Trump administration arrested 538 illegal migrants, including criminals and a terrorist, deporting hundreds to secure US borders
 "Trump's first week: 538 illegal migrants arrested, hundreds deported")
CNN announces 200 job cuts, $70 mn digital investment to revamp strategy
To counter traditional TV decline, CNN is launching a global streaming service, creating hundreds of new roles, with the first 100 positions to be filled by mid-2025
 "CNN announces 200 job cuts, $70 mn digital investment to revamp strategy")
China's used car exports surge, driven by demand from Central Asia
The Khorgos Gateway, connecting northwest China to Kazakhstan, has become a major export hub for China's pre-owned cars
 "China's used car exports surge, driven by demand from Central Asia")
Afghan women's group hails ICC's decision to arrest Taliban leaders
Since they took back control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from jobs, most public spaces and education beyond sixth grade
 "Afghan women's group hails ICC's decision to arrest Taliban leaders")
Donald Trump says he plans to reach out to North Korea's Kim Jong Un
President Donald Trump said that he will reach out to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who he described as a smart guy
 "Donald Trump says he plans to reach out to North Korea's Kim Jong Un")
US lawmaker condemns policy for 'ageing out' children of H-1B visa holders
Children of H-1B visa holders who turn 21 before their parent secures a Green Card can lose their dependent status and age out of the ability to obtain a permanent resident card
 "US lawmaker condemns policy for 'ageing out' children of H-1B visa holders")
Ukraine reforming its recruitment efforts to attract younger soldiers
While Ukraine passed a mobilisation law last spring and lowered the age of conscription from 27 to 25 years old, the measures have not had the impact needed to replenish its ranks
 "Ukraine reforming its recruitment efforts to attract younger soldiers")
China's social media under fire over xenophobic content after stabbings
The algorithms used by Chinese platforms, which are optimised to maximise user engagement, contribute to the spread of controversial content, including hyper-nationalistic posts
US lawmakers introduce bill to repeal China's preferential trade status
China is the US's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting a record $690.6 billion in 2022
 "US lawmakers introduce bill to repeal China's preferential trade status")
Sri Lanka government announces new rules, limits ministerial privileges
A circular issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday restricted Cabinet and deputy ministers to two official vehicles
 "Sri Lanka government announces new rules, limits ministerial privileges")
Irritated with WADA, US Congress may give govt authority to stop payments
Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act would make permanent an already temporary ability to hold back the money
 "Irritated with WADA, US Congress may give govt authority to stop payments")
Micheal Martin returns as Prime Minister of Ireland for a second term
Martin, leader of the Fianna Fail party, received 95 votes in favor and 76 against his nomination, securing his return to the top office
 "Micheal Martin returns as Prime Minister of Ireland for a second term")
Bank of Japan raises interest rates to highest level since 2008 at 0.5%
The hike is part of the BOJ's plan to gradually increase rates to a neutral level of around 1% to sustain economic stability
 "Bank of Japan raises interest rates to highest level since 2008 at 0.5%")
Kash Patel's confirmation hearing for FBI Director scheduled for Jan 30
If confirmed, Kash Patel would be the first-ever Indian American to lead the most powerful American investigation agency
 "Kash Patel's confirmation hearing for FBI Director scheduled for Jan 30")
Not sure if US should be spending anything on Nato, says Donald Trump
Washington finances 15.8 per cent of the 32-member military alliance's yearly expenditure of around $3.5 billion, joint-largest share, alongside Germany
 "Not sure if US should be spending anything on Nato, says Donald Trump")
Britain gives Rolls-Royce a $11 billion nuclear submarine contract
The eight-year deal will strengthen the Royal Navy's continuous at-sea deterrent - under which at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrols the seas at all times
 "Britain gives Rolls-Royce a $11 billion nuclear submarine contract")
What is birthright citizenship and why did a US judge block Trump's order?
Current laws allow almost everyone born in US to become an American citizen automatically, called 'birthright citizenship' and is based on the idea of jus soli, which means 'right of the soil' in Lati